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Ever witnessed a fellow gym goer pounding away at their muscles with a device that looks like a blend between a power tool and a sci-fi weapon? That's a massage gun. This gadget has stormed the fitness world and now it's impossible to step into a gym without seeing someone using it. And understandably so. But the question that seems to be on everyone's lips is do massage guns help build muscle?" Let's delve into this tantalizing topic.
As athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and bodybuilders, we're constantly searching for ways to enhance muscle growth and recovery. With the buzz around massage guns, you might wonder if it's the missing ingredient in your fitness regimen. And rightly so, because the quality of your workout doesn’t just revolve around the punishing lifts and punishing runs; it's also about how effectively you can recover.
So, grab a protein shake and prepare to be enlightened.
In this blog post, you'll find out whether massage guns can actually help build muscle, how to use one effectively, as well as some important considerations before jumping into their use as part of your workout routine.
What is a Massage Gun and How Does it Work?
Massage guns, also known as percussive therapy devices, deliver rapid bursts of pressure into the body’s muscle tissue. This deep tissue massage can help increase blood flow and break up those knotty areas of your muscles, which aids in the recovery process (MedlinePlus). The idea is to accelerate the growth and repair of tissues by providing concentrated, rapid, short-duration pulses deep into the tissues of the body. This drastically increases blood flow to the area causing pain relief and increasing the range of motion and function.
Do Massage Guns Actually Help Build Muscle?
While massage guns can accelerate recovery, they don’t directly help to build muscle. Building muscle occurs during the physical exercise itself (Mayo Clinic). However, enhanced recovery plays an important role in helping you get back to your workouts with minimal downtime. When used post-workout, these massage guns aid in reducing inflammation by flushing extracellular fluids such as lymph fluid and venous blood out of the muscle tissue and into the circulatory system. This can help to prevent post-workout soreness and encourage better performance at your next gym session.
How To: Use a Massage Gun for Recovery
Now that we’ve debunked the myth and clarified the relationship between massage guns and building muscle, it’s time to guide you on how to use these devices to maximize their advantages.
1. Identify Your Target Areas
Begin by identifying the muscles that you want to work on. These are typically the ones you have trained during your workout session. It's essential not to use the massage gun on bones, joints, or tender areas.
2. Start on a Low Setting
Start with the lowest setting on your gun and hold it against your body. You can gradually increase the speed as you get comfortable.
3. Glide Slowly
Allow the gun to glide over your muscles, moving around one inch per second. Spend more time over sore areas but remember not to focus on a single spot for too long.
4. Drink Plenty of Water
Just like a physical massage, it’s crucial to drink plenty of water afterward to help flush away the toxins from your body.
How Often Should You Use a Massage Gun?
The frequency of usage can vary depending on your fitness level and intensity of workouts. For recreational users, using the massage gun a few times a week is likely enough, whereas a professional athlete may prefer to use it daily. It is important to remember that while the massage gun can help with recovery, it is not a replacement for rest days (National Library of Medicine).
Can Anyone Use a Massage Gun?
Most people can safely use massage guns. However, those with medical and skin conditions such as neuropathy, skin disease, high blood pressure, and circulatory problems should avoid using one or consult with a doctor or physical therapist before use.
Unlock Your True Athletic Potential
Now that you're armed with this crucial knowledge, it's time to level up. Understanding the role of recovery in muscle growth and performance is a big step towards improving your fitness and physique.
Recap of the Muscle Artist
- Massage guns help with recovery but don't directly build muscles
- Advantages of massage guns include enhanced blood flow, pain relief, and quicker recovery
- Proper usage of massage guns involves identifying target areas, starting slowly, and staying hydrated
At Tapered, we understand that your athletic journey isn’t just about the grind and hustle—it’s also about knowledge, recovery, and self-care. Keep exploring, keep growing, and remember – every champion was once a contender who refused to give up. So pick up your massage gun and push your limits. This is your story. Make it count.
